King's Highway

Introducing King's Highway

The King's Highway - known in Arabic as At-Tariq as-Sultani (Rd of the Sultan) - is of great historical and religious significance. Over the last 3000 years it has been traversed by the Israelites en route to the Promised Land, Nabataeans to and from Petra, Christian pilgrims to Moses' memorial at Mt Nebo, Crusaders to their castle fortifications and Muslim pilgrims heading to and from Mecca.

These are the ancient lands of Moab and Edom, squeezed between the desert and the Rift Valley and cut by numerous deep and hidden wadis. These hidden valleys, from Wadi Mujib to Wadi Dana, hide some of Jordan's most unexpected scenery and greatest adventures.

Of Jordan's three highways running from north to south, the King's Highway is by far the most interesting and picturesque, with a host of attractions. The highway connects the lovely mosaic town of Madaba to wondrous Petra via the Crusader castles, Roman forts, biblical sites and a windswept Nabataean temple.

The road also traverses some epic landscapes, including the lovely Dana Nature Reserve and the majestic Wadi Mujib valley. Dana in particular is fast becoming a must-stop sight and offers one of the best opportunities to just hang out and do some hiking.

Unfortunately, Wadi Mujib is the reason why public transport along this road can be difficult. If you only hire a car or taxi in one part of Jordan, do it here. A drive along the King's Highway is a veritable ride through the centuries, along the spine of history.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009